Bertelli: «Let us build a green future»

«We are not jealous of our green commitment. On the contrary, we are happy to expand Sea Beyond to new partners and we are already discussing about it». This was stated by Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of CSR - Corporate Social Responsibility of Prada Group, revealing the work in progress to strengthen the plan developed in 2019 with UNESCO to preserve oceans. He explained to MFF the green vision which is part of the Group's overall strategy, outlining its growth and future. «I am often the one explaining environmental issues to my parents, who are very attentive and sensitive to these topics». A future based on already well-established green values, which are increasingly at the core of a sustainable growth strategy.

This includes initiatives, such as those announced yesterday at Ca' Corner della Regina, headquarters of Fondazione Prada in Venice, for the Kindergarten of the Lagoon pilot educational project in partnership with UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, represented by Ana Luiza M. Thompson-Flores, director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Europe: «I believe that this Venetian experience will be an important point of reference not only for Italy but for the world». The initiative aims to promote education for the preservation of the sea and its resources. Lorenzo Bertelli told MFF: «Sea Beyond programs are financed by re-nylon sales and we are working to make the project more substantial. Capsules and products could be created to directly finance some projects».

Could the Prada Sea Beyond program involve other partners?

Yes, of course. We are not jealous of Sea Beyond. On the contrary, we are happy if more partners come on board. I can anticipate that we are already discussing about it. Sea Beyond is a platform that we have created within the Prada Group, but it is open to future partners. Negotiations are in progress, but at the moment we have not signed any agreement.

The pilot project launched in Venice is financed by re-nylon sales. Is there a direct link between products sold and the support for UNESCO?

Prada's nylon products are among the most iconic ones in the world and contributed to the brand's popularity in the 1990s. Being able to convert it into recycled material had quite an impact. At the moment the project is financed by re-nylon sales, there is no direct contribution, but we are working to make the project more substantial. Capsules and products could be created to directly finance some projects.

What role does sustainability play in Prada Group? Is it part of the business plan? While presenting 2021 financial results you mentioned the zero emissions target by 2050...

The Group’s value is based on three pillars: environment, people and culture. We base our business strategies on them. Sustainability helps in establishing processes that are necessary for any modern company. We hope to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of this year. In 2050, we aim at zero emissions.

Is a new generation of fashion managers who can change the world emerging?

I hope so and I hope to be one of them. In general, what this project is trying to do is to spread a certain type of culture and message to the future new generations of managers. The choices that managers make today are the consequence of choices made 20-30 years ago, so it reflects that. We want to do the same for the future generation.

Is Prada considering the metaverse? Is there a green metaverse?

The metaverse is in our hands through social media. It definitely is something that is part of today's society. We at Prada, who question ourselves on the present, also question ourselves on these points and try to give our point of view. Regarding the green metaverse, I do not have an answer.

Here at the Fondazione, there is an exhibition about the brain. Could there be exhibitions related to sustainability?

The exhibition we did is scientific and we think there is a strong connection between scientific research and what art produces. On the environmental theme, if there are elements, we will do it. However, this is a foundation that talks about art, so we have to be careful to distinguish between the two.

With the Aura Consortium, you have demonstrated that you can create a system with the big players in the luxury sector. Pinault launched the fashion pact. Is it possible to create a system in the green field?

The fashion pact includes all luxury brands and more. We are all in it. I think that there will be more and more common tables, however it is not certain that there will always be one. The fact that there is one is already a good thing.

Will the new generation and sustainability save fashion?

I do not think it is just about fashion, I think it is more about saving us all. Fashion is one of the many industries in today’s processes. What is certain is that young people have to save the planet, because there is no alternative world.

In your family, is it you the one explaining environmental issues to your parents?

Many times, yes, it is. They pay great attention. They deal with some issues, I deal with others. The important thing is that everyone's points of view and experiences are close.

Is there one quality you would like to take from your mother and father respectively?

Definitely a lot. From my mother I would take her creativity, from my father his entrepreneurial vision. At the end of the day, we all have to make compromises in life. One is oneself with one's facets and differences. It is not an obsession for me to take my parents' traits.

What do you wish for Italian fashion?

Made in Italy often does not know how to give itself the right value. I wish it would know how to give itself more value. (All rights reserved)